Freedom of the Borough awarded to Olympic champion Hannah Scott MBE in Coleraine ceremony

Hannah Scott MBE who received the Freedom of the Borough at a special civic ceremony at Coleraine Town Hall. (Pics: Steven McAuley/ Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)

Coleraine’s Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott MBE has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough — the highest civic honour available — in recognition of her historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The honour was formally conferred by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council during a special civic ceremony held on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at Coleraine Town Hall, marking a landmark moment for both the athlete and the wider community.

Historic honour marks Olympic achievement

The Freedom of the Borough was awarded to Hannah Scott in recognition of her role in securing Olympic gold as part of Team GB in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The accolade represents the highest distinction the council can bestow, reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions or brought distinction to the borough.

Scott’s Olympic victory not only secured her place in sporting history but also elevated her hometown of Coleraine onto the global stage, drawing widespread recognition for both her personal achievement and the area she represents.

Mayor hails ‘proud and historic occasion’

Hannah Scott MBE officially signs the ceremonial register at the Freedom of Borough proceedings held at Coleraine Town Hall.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, described the ceremony as a defining moment for the borough.

“It is a proud and historic occasion for Causeway Coast and Glens to award the Freedom of the Borough to Hannah Scott MBE here in Coleraine today. Hannah’s Olympic gold medal achievement has brought immense pride to her hometown and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens.

“As a role model, Hannah continues to inspire young people across our area, showing what can be achieved through hard work, resilience and commitment. This is the highest honour we can bestow, and it is thoroughly deserved.

“On behalf of the Council, I offer my sincere congratulations to Hannah and wish her continued success in the future.”

Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry Mrs Mrs Alison Millar, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, elected representatives and Hannah Scott MBE at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Coleraine today.

The recognition places Scott among a select group of individuals honoured for outstanding achievement, underlining the scale of her impact both locally and internationally.

‘An honour that truly means so much’ — Scott reflects on recognition

Hannah Scott MBE, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan and Cheif Executive of Causeway Coast and Glens, David Jackson with members of Bann Rowing Club who formed a guard of honour at today's ceremony.

Speaking after receiving the award, Hannah Scott MBE described the honour as deeply personal, reflecting her connection to the community where she was raised.

“Receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Causeway Coast and Glens is an honour that truly means so much to me. To be recognised by the place that shaped me—my home, my community—is incredibly special, and something I will carry with great pride.

“Growing up in Coleraine gave me the foundations not only for rowing, but for life. I’ve always felt the support of this community behind me, and I’m so proud to represent a place that celebrates its people so wholeheartedly. Through every race and every challenge, that support has never been far away.”

Hannah Scott MBE arrives in Coleraine to be conferred Freedom of the Borough.

Her remarks highlighted the role of local support networks in shaping elite athletes and reinforced the strong bond between Scott and her hometown.

Distinguished guests attend civic ceremony

Lady Mary Peters with Hannah Scott MBE at her Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Coleraine today (Saturday, April 18)

The ceremony drew a distinguished audience, reflecting the significance of the occasion.

Among those in attendance was Northern Ireland’s only other Olympic gold medallist, Lady Mary Peters, alongside the Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry, Mrs Alison Millar, and the High Sheriff, Mr Peter Jack MBE.

Elected members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, along with family, friends, and invited guests, also gathered to celebrate Scott’s achievement.

Praise from fellow Olympic gold medallist

Lady Mary Peters, herself a towering figure in Northern Ireland sport, paid tribute to Scott’s journey and her impact as a role model.

“I’m thrilled for Hannah and she is thoroughly deserving of this honour in her hometown and Borough.

“As a Mary Peters Trust supported athlete, myself and the Trust have watched Hannah’s progress over the years, and her Paris Gold Medal achievement was simply wonderful.

“I was honoured to be in Coleraine for her post Olympics Homecoming, and everyone was just so proud. Hannah is also one of the Trust’s International Award winners and is a great ambassador for Northern Ireland. We wish her every success for the future.”

Her comments underline Scott’s long-standing connection to the Mary Peters Trust and the sustained development that led to Olympic success.

Recognition of a local athlete with global impact

Guests at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Coleraine Town Hall

The award reflects not only a single moment of sporting triumph but a sustained journey of dedication, resilience, and excellence.

Scott’s Olympic gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls stands as one of Northern Ireland’s most significant recent sporting achievements, inspiring young athletes across the region and reinforcing the area’s reputation for producing world-class talent.

The Freedom of the Borough ceremony formally cements that legacy, ensuring her achievement is permanently recognised at the highest civic level within her home borough.

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At a glance

• Hannah Scott MBE awarded Freedom of the Borough by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

• Ceremony held at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday, 18 April 2026

• Honour recognises her Olympic gold medal in Women’s Quadruple Sculls at Paris 2024

• Freedom of the Borough is the council’s highest civic honour

• Mayor Oliver McMullan described the moment as a “proud and historic occasion”

• Scott said the award “truly means so much” and reflects her connection to Coleraine

• Ceremony attended by Lady Mary Peters, Lord Lieutenant Alison Millar, and High Sheriff Peter Jack MBE

• Lady Mary Peters praised Scott as a “great ambassador for Northern Ireland”

• Recognition highlights Scott’s role as a sporting role model for young people